A CAPTAIN’S KNOCK FROM GABI SIMPSON HAS SPARKED THE QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS TO A 62-53 SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL WIN AGAINST OLD FOES, THE NSW SWIFTS AT THE BRISBANE CONVENTION CENTRE.
Goal attack Gretel Tippett, with 18 goals, was a standout for the Firebirds in the first meeting between the powerhouse clubs since last year’s grand final.
But when the game hung in the balance early in the deciding fourth quarter, it was Simpson, whose calm demeanour and grit put her in an ideal position to pinch two momentum-swinging intercepts.
Her energy was infectious, inspiring the Firebirds’ circle defenders to follow her lead and heap enormous pressure on the Swifts.
The nine-goal margin did not accurately reflect the performance of the Paige Hadley-led Swifts’ midcourt who fought an entertaining battle all night with their Firebirds opponents.
The contest between Swifts’ goaler Sam Wallace (48 goals at 87 per cent) and Laura Clemesha was another highlight.
There is always a tell when the Firebirds are on their game, and her name is Tippett.
The more their goal attack is involved, the more the ball gushes through the middle corridor and the greater their attacking threat.
And so it was during an even first quarter as Tippett created and finished scoring opportunities for her side.
For the Swifts, Hadley was the barometer, using her rapid-fire footwork to zap into prime feeding territory.
The arch rivals traded blows for much of the first half, with the visitors forcing Queensland into some careless passes and cheap turnovers.
But any team that has reached five of the past six grand finals doesn’t collapse easily, and the Firebirds remained patient until the moment to swoop presented itself.
The Gabi Simpson-led defence pushed the Swifts wide, and that eventually coughed up some cross-court passes that were seized by Kate Shimmin and Clemesha.
Queensland led 30-27 at halftime and by as much as five goals during the third term.
They were clearly in control, with replacement defender Kimberley Jenner pouncing on two intercepts in the lead-up to three-quarter time.
For all their confidence, the hosts could not crush the Swifts’ spirit.
They clawed their way back to a one-goal deficit at the final change to set up a thrilling last term.
